Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
106. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the recent changes to the beef indexes that have impacted farmers in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; how these changes were implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18424/24]
View answerMy Department does not conduct bovine genetic evaluations and has no role in reviewing changes to the beef indexes.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with the relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle.
Whilst I acknowledge the concerns raised in relation to the recent updates to the beef Euro-Star indexes, I understand from ICBF that this was the first major update since 2015 and the core drivers for these changes in the Euro-Star index are changes in input costs, output prices, carbon efficiency, finishing age, TB resistance and carcass specifications. The aim is to assist suckler farmers to breed animals that will generate a higher profit.
ICBF have communicated extensively on changes to the beef indexes, including with breed societies, since the changes were announced. ICBF have also established a stakeholder forum to address issues, including updates, on beef breeding indexes.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level.
In relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), on the 12th of March this year I announced significant flexibilities within this scheme after listening carefully to feedback from stakeholders. These flexibilities have effectively resolved the concerns regarding this scheme arising from the index changes implemented by ICBF, and have been welcomed by farm bodies and participants alike.
